Starting A Running Club & Playing It Safe

December 9, 2010

I try to be an optimistic person. Really, I do! When my office took a poll and the majority said that they don’t want a running club, what do I do? Start a running club, dammit! With the help of my colleague, Chip, and another colleague/ultra marathoner/fellow San Francisco Marathon Ambassador, Nick, we set out to pave new office territory. Two weeks, three emails and one calendar invite later, the day had arrived: the first run club date ever and wouldn’t ya know it…the turnout was FANTASTIC! Chip, Nick and I were all there. Ha! But hey, three is better than nothin’ (we’re working on recruiting more folks as we speak).

Want to see the all-time worst photo ever? Here you go…sorry, it’s the only one I snapped.
I need a new iPhone. Le sigh.

The plan was to do eight easy miles down the San Francisco Embarcadero, through Fisherman’s Wharf, the park, the Marina and just before Fort Mason…in the dark. Yes, yes, conquering my fear didn’t stop yesterday.

The boys said they’d keep it at my easy pace…hah! Now I can tell why they are track stars and ultra-marathoners! A little past the half-way point nature called and I had to stop off to take care of business, but I ensured the boys that I would be ok without them. After all, I had my headlamp and hand-held mace to keep me safe. But after I wandered out of the bathroom and back onto a certain part of the path (the park in between the Marina and Ghiradelli Square) I looked around and thought to myself, “Holy F. It’s pitch black out here and there is no one around. Seriously not a good idea.” At that moment I revved the engines and hauled booty out of the dark park so I could get to the next well-lit (tourist filled) area.

Perhaps I watch to much Dateline, but being a female runner it is especially important to take all precautions when running alone. They may make fun of your crossing-guard reflective vest or wonder why you take your cell phone with you everywhere, but you’re doing the right thing. I’ll step off my soapbox now, but I just want to remind everyone to be safe and smart out there.

On a happier note, I finished the eight miles, felt great and am now looking forward to dinner, tomorrow’s office holiday party and the weekend.

I have to guess that “easy pace” for the 3 of you was probably something insanely fast, haha nice job on starting a running club, wish I had that at my work too =) I do run with some ex-coworkers though sometimes, we normally are better about meeting up during the summer when the sun is out longer.

I don’t mind running in the dark too much, in fact I always feel so much faster!
So cool you started a running club! Too bad it’s all the way up in the City, otherwise I would be there in a heartbeat!
Have a great weekend girlie!